REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on April 25, 2016. Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“A Mentality of Scarcity”
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed bethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessingin the heavenly places.
A renowned scholar Walter Brueggemann suggests that so much of our societal ills that continue to plague our culture are caused by embracing a mentality of scarcity. In other words, we always feel as though we never have enough. As a result, our lives are characterized by constant dissatisfaction and frustration, which inevitably leads to a perpetual need to buy the next best thing or to find a more fulfilling relationship in an effort to feel full and satisfied. However, the sad fact is that no matter how many promotions we receive or how much money we make, it still feels like it’s not enough. It is no surprise that so many people in our culture constantly struggle with a profound sense of emptiness.
As Christians, we are not immune to this. Countless believers wrestle with the same issues as they compare their lives to those around them. At the root of this problem is that we so easily forget the amazing truth of Scripture. In Ephesians 1:3, the Apostle Paul reminds us that at the point of conversion, we have received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. In other words, all that we could ever want is ours in Christ Jesus and have now become people of abundance rather than scarcity. This is true of us no matter what our circumstances might indicate, because the blessings of heaven have been eternally secured by the work of Christ in the gospel! In those moments of emptiness, I want to encourage you to look to the word of God and remind yourself that you have more than enough— in Christ you have received more than you deserve and have been filled to the brim by the grace of God!
Prayer: Father, forgive me once again for my greed and lack of dependence on You. Remind me constantly that Christ is all sufficient in my life. Thanks for having given me all that I possess, including health and relationships. Motivate me to share what I have with those in need. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 18
Lunch Break Study (P. Ryun)
Read Ecclesiastes 6:10: Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
Luke 18:9: To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else . . .
1 Tim. 6:10: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. . . .
1 Tim. 6:17: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Questions to Consider
1. According to King Solomon and the Apostle Paul, respectively, what should we look out for when we seek to be financially secure?
2. What are some factors that might make us feel as though we do not have enough money even though we have plenty in the bank?
3. What should we do instead with respect to wealth? How are you managing your wealth?
Notes
1. Solomon warns that no amount of money will lead to the feeling of having enough—he ought to know since he was the richest man in Israel. Paul warns that loving money will lead to all kinds of conflicts that lead to much headache.
2. Two factors: first, humans always compare, and as a result, they inevitably find someone who has more money than they which leads to dissatisfaction; second, since we realize that wealth is not certain, we try to amass as much as possible for rainy days.
3. We are told not to put our trust in wealth, which means two things: first, engage in activities other than making money (like helping people); two, be generous with your money.
Evening Reflection
Reflect on Paul’s philosophy on possessions: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Tim. 6:7). Now reflect on Agur’s thought on wealth: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Prov. 30:8b-9).
In light of that, what is your philosophy on wealth? Do you need to make any adjustments?